Royer-Greaves Receives $25,000 Philadelphia Foundation Grant

A $25,000 donation from the Philadelphia Foundation’s Edward M. Story Memorial Fund to Royer-Greaves School for Blind is having a daily impact on the students and adults who attend the special needs school and day program– at lunch time.

“A portion of the grant money we received in memory of Mr. Story’s parents, Samuel Story and Mary Grosvenor, has been used to pay for urgent repairs and improvements in our kitchen,” said Vicky Mayer, executive director of Royer-Greaves.

Royer-Greaves provides integrated education and daytime training programs and community-based residential options that address the needs of children and adults who have visual impairment/blindness and a co-occurring intellectual disability, and may have other disabilities
and related behavioral issues.

“It is always hard for anyone to learn when they are hungry,” Mayer said. The Royer-Greaves Food Services staff, dietary consultants and kitchen resources are different than that at most other schools. “Some of our children and adults have disabilities that make it impossible for them to eat food prepared and served in a typical way,” she said. “Some have ingredient restrictions. Others require food to be cut into bite-sized pieces or pureed.”

An issue in the kitchen required Royer-Greaves to make emergency repairs, which included removing and replacing specific plumbing and drainage lines along with minor renovations to related support space. “We had no choice but to get the kitchen running again immediately – our students’ and adults’ nutritional needs are such that outsourcing preparation, even for a short time, would be incredibly difficult.”

That unanticipated budget expense was almost immediately alleviated with a portion of the grant, Mayer said. The remainder of the grant will be used for general operating needs.

“I have seen the difference the Philadelphia Foundation has made around the region for many years,” Mayer said. “Now, thanks to this gift from the Edward M. Story Memorial Fund, all of us see the difference this generosity can make right here at Royer-Greaves. We are beyond
grateful.”

Founded in 1918, The Philadelphia Foundation (TPF) strengthens the economic, social and civic vitality of Greater Philadelphia. TPF grows effective philanthropic investment, connects individuals and institutions across sectors and geography, and advances civic initiatives through partnerships and collaboration. A publicly supported foundation, TPF manages more than 900 charitable funds established by its donors and makes 1,000 grants and scholarships awards each year. To learn more, visit www.philafound.org

Royer-Greaves, located in Paoli, was founded in 1921 by Dr. Jessie Royer-Greaves. It will soon be celebrating its 100th year of service with a number of celebratory events for area residents to enjoy. Information related to the services offered by Royer-Greaves School for Blind can be found at www.royer-greaves.org